News

Ex-NFL player Hernandez due in court on ’12 murder charges

AARON HERNANDEZ:The star football player has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder. Photo: Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) — Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is due in court for a hearing in a Boston case accusing him of the 2012 drive-by slayings of two men.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to killing Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado after a casual nightclub encounter. He is due in court Tuesday.

Prosecutors say one of the men accidentally bumped Hernandez, spilling his drink. They say Hernandez went to another club, then drove around until he found the men and pulled alongside their car at a red light. Prosecutors say he fatally shot them and wounded a third.

Hernandez’s lawyers say he looks forward to proving his innocence.

He also has pleaded not guilty to killing Odin Lloyd, found shot at an industrial park in North Attleborough in 2013.